An experiential leadership learning program for emerging leaders and high potentials

Program Aim

Our extremely popular Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is now heading into its 21st year. Each year a cohort of 28 emerging leaders across the sector undertake a 7-month experiential learning program, consisting of 8 modules plus a group project. 

The ELP aims to provide participants with the following:

  • A greater level of comprehension and understanding of local government
  • Increased understanding of leadership concepts and practices and how to integrate the learnings into the workplace
  • Increased confidence
  • Enhanced self-awareness
  • An appreciation of and an ability to work with different personality types
  • The opportunity to challenge their assumptions.


Accreditation

The Emerging Leaders Program is accredited towards an MBA.


Suitable for:

  • High Potentials
  • Aspiring Leaders
  • Coordinators
  • Team Leaders.


What our Alumni are saying about the program

“The Emerging Leaders Program provided me with the knowledge and understanding of the theories and values of a good leader, and the confidence that I was needing to build in myself. The module topics were all very relevant and applicable and the group projects provided us with the opportunity to put our learnings into practice and exercise our creativity. This program is not just for people in leadership and management roles – anyone can be an effective leader, and I encourage you to be brave and invest in yourself."

Grace Andrews, Team Leader Sustainability, City of Mitcham

    Key Dates

    The 2026 Emerging Leaders Program will open for registrations on Wednesday 14 January 2026.

    If you're interested in joining a future program, please express your interest below.

    Express your interest


    Online Information Session

    Are you interested in our Emerging Leaders Program, or want to know if the program is right for you?

    Join LG Professionals SA and Ross Morriss, Director Strategic Partnerships, UniSA for a virtual information session where we will provide a program overview and hear from past participants on their experiences. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the program.

    Wednesday 17 December 2025, 11:00AM - 12:00PM hosted via Zoom.

    Register now


    Resources



    Contact

    Kylee Noble
    Manager - Professional Development and Networks
    kylee@lgprofessionalssa.org.au
    08 8224 2091


    Emerging Leaders Past Projects

     2025

      Reimagining Local Governance: Empowering Councils through Independent Vision
      Strengthening Community Trust and Engagement: How Council Members Can Be More Responsive and Engaged with their Communities 
      Future-Ready Councils: A Framework for Collaborative AI Partnerships
      Improving the Accessibility of Council Decisions

     2024

      Local Leaders: Empowering our Youth Through Gap Year Experiences
      Can Artificial Intelligence enhance or contribute to the efficient maintenance and renewal of local government roads?
      How to fill the knowledge gap with an intergenerational mentoring program
      Policy and Governance for an AI Future

     2023   Activating public school turfed open space for community use
      Filling the Gaps: meeting local government’s workforce challenges with graduates
      Powering a Circular Economy: Local Government and Solar Panel Recycling Solutions
      Joining forces to build stronger communities

       2022   How to Better Engage Young Adults 18-25 Years in Council Decision-Making
        Mandatory Voting in Local Government Elections
        Charging Towards an Electric Vehicle Future
        Attracting Talent in Local Government

       2021

        Diversity in Local Government – Strategies to Improve Elected Member Diversity
        Local Government Graduate Program A Driving Force to Becoming Employer of Choice
        Kicking Goals to Reduce Food Waste in Landfill How Sporting and Community Clubs can reduce their impact of incorrect      food waste disposal
        Guiding Principles for Successful Collaboration within Local Government

       2020   Post COVID19 - Technology Changes and Opportunities Facing Local Government 
        Combating the After Effects of COVID-19 by Investing in Individual Resilience 
        Work-Life Balance Opportunities for Achieving High Performance, Productivity and Work Satisfaction 
        Education Strategies in Schools on Food Waste Minimisation within the Current Waste System 

       2019

        Climate Change

        Council Collab - Online Portal Proposal

        Urban Tree Canopy

        Responsible Waste Management

       2018

        Commercialisation of Services

        Rebranding Local Government in an Ever Changing Environment

        Smart Tech

        China Waste Ban 


      Mailing Address: 148 Frome Street ADELAIDE SA 5000   Phone: 08 8224 2080   Email: admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au


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